Paxton’s clever design was all made from plate glass pieces measuring only 10 inches wide and 49 inches deep as this was the largest plate glass that could be made then. Because the whole of Crystal Palace was modular it was made very cheaply and quickly and was able to be dismantled and re-erected at Penge Common , South London.

Among other innovations Crystal Palace had the first flushing Toilets designed by George Jennings. 827,280 people paid one penny to use them – the origin of Spending a Penny.